Ben Tre Coconut Candy

Ben Tre Coconut Candy, a small treat that tells the story of the coconuts of Ben Tre city

When talking about Ben Tre province in Vietnam, the first thing that comes to my mind is not just the Mekong River flowing through or the lush natural atmosphere, but also the “coconut candy,” a local sweet that has become a symbol and a famous souvenir of this province. As mr.hotsia, having had the chance to visit this coconut province, I want to share my direct experience of Ben Tre coconut candy in depth, from the very beginning to the last bite.

Ben Tre province is located in the Mekong Delta, or as locals call it, the Mekong Delta region. It is a fertile land filled with various coconut species, earning it the name “Vietnam’s Coconut Province,” which I have written about in an article before.Ben Tre ProvinceAlmost every household has coconut trees around their home, and the produce is processed into various products. Coconut candy is one of the most famous among them.

Find coconut candy on the streets and in the malls of Ben Tre city

I, mr.hotsia, still remember well when I walked into Ben Tre city. What caught my eye was a large billboard on a rooftop showing an elderly woman wearing glasses. Although I couldn’t read Vietnamese, I immediately knew she was the owner of the famous coconut candy brand here. When I entered a nearby department store, I found shelves full of this brand’s coconut candy. The candy resembles the chewy sweets I used to eat as a child in Thailand, with a sweet, rich, and mellow flavor from real coconut. This made me even more curious about the origin of this candy.

A deep dive with a half-day tour: “Watching coconut candy making”

The next day, I decided to buy a half-day tour for 10 US dollars to see the full process of making coconut candy, from squeezing fresh coconut water, boiling and stirring it until thick and sticky, then using molds to cut it into bite-sized pieces, wrapping them first in edible thin paper and then in thicker paper to preserve freshness. I witnessed the production atmosphere at a traditional candy house, which was different from the brand I saw advertised in the city. The freshly made candy I tasted was even more delicious and fresher than the ones bought in stores.

Besides coconut candy, the tour also took me to a nearby brick kiln and a coconut processing factory, which is a key part of the province’s industry. It was a great opportunity to see the local lifestyle that still sustainably uses natural materials and is full of wisdom.

The uniqueness of Ben Tre coconut candy from mr.hotsia’s perspective

For me, Ben Tre coconut candy is not just an ordinary sweet but a representation of the history and culture of this coconut province. The coconuts here are of high quality, with sweet and fragrant coconut water that makes the candy sweet without being cloying and gives a unique chewy texture. Seeing the entire production process helped me understand why Ben Tre coconut candy is so popular throughout Vietnam.

If anyone has the chance to visit this province, besides enjoyingthe Mekong riverside sceneryand tasting local dishes like the famous grilled eel, I recommend finding time to take a half-day tour to see how coconut candy is made. You will experience the real lifestyle and the freshest taste. I, mr.hotsia, assure you it’s a very worthwhile experience.

Traveling to Ben Tre and other recommended activities

For traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre, I used Mai Linh company’s service, known for good service and comfortable rides. The bus passes a suspension bridge with a beautiful sunset view, which can also be seen from nearby My Tho city.Read detailed travel information from Ho Chi Minh to Ben Treright here.

Upon arriving in Ben Tre city, I recommend strolling along the Mekong River or the Ben Tre River flowing through the city, and don’t missthe stunning sunset at the Mekong River bridge.Then stop to try dry noodles near the bridge or walk around the night market full of local food and products, as I have described inWalking around Ben Tre at nightas well.

Summary of impressions of Ben Tre coconut candy with mr.hotsia

For me, Ben Tre coconut candy is a small charm that makes this coconut province stand out from other places in Vietnam. It’s not just a sweet but a story of community, lifestyle, and wisdom conveyed through its flavor and meticulous production. For those who love OTOP products or local souvenirs, I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend not to miss it.

For those interested in more stories about Ben Tre, don’t forget to check out my other related articles atBen Tre ProvinceAnd if you want to see travel atmospheres or local Vietnamese food in video form, I have interesting Vietnamese food clip links for you as well.